Town Square

why only registered users?

Original post made
by why, North Whisman,
on Mar 20, 2009

Regarding the discussion about the Huff teacher and teaching practices in general in Mountain View, why would you close this post except to registered users? It is a very good discussion, something that is much needed. We all think these cases are isolated and we will just get our children through the 'bad teacher" year. We need to speak up more for our children and for our good teachers. This is a great forum to get that discussion started. You should really keep it open. Parents, kids-keep talking, your voice is important.

Good question. The first thing to say is that we agree, it's a good and important discussion, but we felt (and so did other posters) that it was becoming hijacked by one or two excessive posters and hampered by personal attacks. We needed to slow it down to get things back under control. (This morning we took down about 25 comments for excessive postings, personal swipes and other misuse).

The other point to make is that limiting a comment thread to registered-only users does not mean it's closed! It's very quick and easy to register (to do so go here: Web Link) and doing so does not sacrifice your anonymity (we do ask that you give your name during the sign-up process, but your "handle" -- the name seen online by other Town Square users -- is whatever you want it to be).

We've found that registered-only use creates more accountability, and many of the attackers, pranksters, etc. tend to disappear.

How can blocking a group of concerned parents, students and community members who for whatever reason don't want to register be a good call. Edit the idiots and let the rest of us speak without having to create a handle. If not, you are changing the entire direction of this forum. Please think this over carefully, Don.

Hey guys if you look at a different thread-the most recent child molester thread I believe, Don has agreed to open the Huff teacher thread to all, but only after the weekend so he can have a better chance at removing really unnecessary comments. I think he understands we all don't want to register, but we have to understand he needs a weekend off!! It was a good compromise.

Posted by Parent
a resident of Old Mountain View
on Mar 21, 2009 at 7:03 pm

I agree, what happenened to freedom of speach. Sounds like the VOICE is inbed with a few MVWSD people and want to monitor who says what.
Alot has been said about PACT, the YMCA, and district staff and teachers come one this sounds fishy to me.